When I first walked into my kitchen, it was a disaster. Mold growing in the fridge, a squirrel living above my sink (true story), and this smell... But slowly, it's becoming the cottage core kitchen of my dreams. A place I love to spend time in. And know- I'm not a big spender. I'd never tell you to drop hundreds of dollars on kitchen decor. But I'm a big advocate for creating a space that feels magical -- and it does require a few simple supplies.

(We're laughing in this picture because I told him to act normal and put some sugar on the strawberries, and he said "I have never sprinkled sugar on strawberries... nothing about this is normal". I think the real crime here is that Yanni's never sprinkled sugar on his strawberries...)

My 5 Kitchen Essentials

100% Cotton Flour Sack Towels

After I was married for some time, my mother in law came over with a stack of brand new white kitchen towels. At the time, I never turned down free stuff, so I thanked her for the generosity, and threw them into the laundry pile. They were simple and thin and white, and I was used to thick kitchen towels with embroidery and patterns. But as I started using them to clean up, they quickly became my favorite towel.

I HATE having wet hands, every time I get so much as a droplet of liquid on my hands, I have to wipe them immediately. So I go through kitchen towels like crazy. And these were the best I'd ever had! Over the years, I have gotten rid of pretty much everything else, and exclusively use flour sack towels in the kitchen.

When I called my MIL to ask where she got these, I was expecting to drop some cash on a dozen more... But surprisingly, she told me "I get them walmart - they're the cheapest hand towels there, but they work the best. I get a stack for everyone who gets married, because I love them so much".

If you don't already own a stack of them, they're usually about $1.25 a piece, and usually come in a pack of 6 or 12. Here are some on amazon that I've bought in the past and love, but as long as they're 100% cotton flour sack towels, they should work great!

An Apron You Love

Aprons are not just for utility, they're for vibes. There's something about putting on an apron. and grabbing a wooden spoon that makes you feel powerful. A few years ago, I followed someone on tiktok who always put on this beautiful apron, and every time I saw it, I got a spark of interest. After months of watching, I finally ordered myself one. A super simple linen Japanese-style apron that crosses in the back. You know that apron you've been eyeing? Go get yourself one!!

A Shopping List

It's so important to make lists of the items as you run out of them, because it saves so much time later. I've also found that I spend more money when I shop without a list. It's always easier to remember what you need when you're in the midst of cooking, so get an accessible pad that sticks to the fridge so that you can quickly write down "butter", "eggs" or "bread". Or if you're in my house, "soy sauce", "instant rice" and "oat milk".

Sponges or Brushes that Actually Work

I'll admit it - I'm NOT a rincer. I do not rinse my dishes when I put them in the sink. In fact, we're lucky if they make it to the sink within the first 30 minutes after m meal. So doing the dishes requires some elbow grease. I've tried many different brands and brushes, and there are two that I would 100% recommend. The Scotch Brite Greener Clean Scrubbers are unmatched by any other. They last forever, and you can put them into the dishwasher to refresh them. They dry fast and do not smell, and I seriously geek out over how much I love them. But a more eco-friendly option that I've also liked is the coconut fiber scrub pads (not the ones with a sponge). They work really well, and also last a very long time. I think grove.com has a good option, but I usually get mine at the closest thriftway.

A Framed Picture of Your Favorite Chefs

This is essential to the feeling of my kitchen. For years now, I have had framed pictures of my grandmas doing the dishes. As a bonus, I also have one of my grandma-in-law making lumpia (I never got a chance to meet her, but truly admire her). While I'm doing the dishes, or wiping the counter, or frying up vegetables, the frames often catch my eye and I'm reminded of them. And there's just this sense of connection and joy that comes with knowing I am carrying on their sacred tradition, of nurturing and keeping home. Whether it's a picture, a favorite recipe, a cherished cookbook. A personal touch will make all the difference.

Pictured: My beautiful grandma, Mary Kay. Check out her pink gingham apron with the ruffled sleeves!! I need to get me one of those.

If you create a functional space you love to be in, it reminds you of your purpose - to nourish and create. Doing the dishes and making a meal becomes a lot more fun, too.

xo, Brooklyn